Q:

Josh,

Great blog, first off. I am 28 and live in SF. I am taking the San Francisco Paramedic Association EMT-1 [Basic] class this spring. I understand that the first step into the SFFD is the written test. However, how does one best prepare for this test (when it does happen…which is in a few years, I imagine)? [Should I] take fire tech classes at a local college?

Can you go to the fire academy before gaining an appointment? What really strengthens an application and also what is a good step-by-step process?

Thanks again – and good luck!

Brian

A:

Brian,

Thanks for writing. If I understand correctly, you’ll be taking your EMT-Basic class during the coming spring semester and and then considering fire tech classes in the ultimate hope of joining the SFFD. Is that correct?

I may be misunderstanding your questions, but here are the answers to what I think you’re wondering:

1. Getting your EMT is definitely an excellent way to start. It’s what I did too, but I will tell you this – make sure to take a CPR/First aid class first. These are the two that are likely required before you can take the EMT class, though the SFPA may include it in their curriculum.
- CPR for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross)
- CPR Healthcare Provider (American Heart Association)

2. The SFFD is currently hiring and interviewing, but if you didn’t apply during the last application process you’ll have to wait until they do it again, which probably will be a few years from now (but who really knows). I just tested for SFFD two weeks ago, along with thousands of others. Competition is big for a department like SF.

Preparing for any fire fighter exam and interview process is the same for almost every department, big or small. You’ll want to do a couple things: Review any material they provide you, know the names of all major chiefs and fire officers in the department, know the history and as much as you can about that particular department, and the city/community which it protects. You’ll also want to practice interviewing with anybody who can help you. Practice in the mirror and learn what you can from the many online fire resources out there. You do not need to pay for interview coaching – just read, research, learn and practice.

3. Taking Fire Science classes and attending a fire academy are huge steps toward getting a job. Departments will see this and know you’re serious. You do not need to have any appointments or jobs lined up to go to an academy. For my academy, we had to have taken 3 fire technology classes, our EMT certification and have passed the CPAT.

4. To strengthen your application and enhance your image to hiring departments there are many things you can do. Here are a few good ones.
Volunteer somewhere (anywhere you would enjoy)
Get fire experience (work for CDF one summer or get involved in a reserve or volunteer fire department)
Become involved in the community (again, whatever you enjoy, but show that you’re a real part of the community you live in)
Work in a related field (the least money I’ve made in the past 10 years is right now working as an EMT. I’m not doing it for the money; I’m doing it for the experience)
Take classes, get your Firefighter 1 certificate and/or your Fire Technology degree (this shows longer term commitment to your goal)

5. You asked about a step-by-step process to go about this. That will vary for everybody, but ultimately you have to do what will work best for you. My approach was to do as much as I could at once. To illustrate this, I took my EMT, 4 fire science classes and a basic dysrythmias class in one semester. It was brutal and I lived in my books. It has been a real challenge and I’ve sacrificed a lot to do it, but I’m glad I did. I went farther faster. That won’t work for everybody. Again, do what’s good for you.

I hope this helps. Let me know what you decide to do, and if I fully answered your questions.

p.s. You may want to read this post I wrote on getting an education for the fire service.

- Josh

Q:

Q:Josh,

Thanks for the great information and also best of luck with the SFFD process!

In terms of the EMT, I see that CCSF (City College of SF) offers this course at around $280 and the SF Paramedics Association is 5x that. Is the SFPA regarded as more prestigious? What is the benefit of going there versus CCSF?

Also, what have you heard about the CCSF Fire Academy. It would be more convenient for me to go there as opposed to somewhere in the East Bay – what are your thoughts?

I understand that the application process for the SFFD is simply a written exam, and then you are sorted based on your score. With that being said, why does building your resume strengthen your chances (per your blog postings)? Theoretically, can’t someone off the street score 100% and then someone who has done 5 years of EMT, the First Academy, etc. score less and the individual with the better score advances?

How difficult is it to get into the Reserves here in the City, from what you have discovered?

Thanks, you’ve been helpful, and good luck again!

Brian

A:

Brian,

I’m glad to hear I’ve been helpful. That really means a lot to me!

When it comes to getting your EMT, forget about prestige. Most schools that offer the program are good; and employers, whether they be a fire department or an ambulance company just aren’t all that concerned with where you got certified. The fact that you are certified is what counts. The ultimate key is that you study hard and learn what they’re teaching. On that note, I’m personally not a fan of the very fast, and very expensive 1 month or 1 week programs. Having been through a full semester EMT program, I just don’t believe a person is going to truly soak up everything you’re supposed to learn in such a short time.

That’s not to eliminate those “quickie” options entirely…. If you have the money (they’re very costly) for such a fast-paced program, you will learn all the essential basics. Plus, what happens on the job is often different from what you learned in class, so if you can pass the national registry exam and get a job quickly, you might want to sharpen your skills on the job.
Like with most things, the best way to learn something is to do it for real.

I say go to city college where you save money and the location is convenient. CCSF has a good reputation anyway.

Your question regarding resumes is an excellent one, and you are right about the exam sorting candidates by score. They (and very many fire depts.) don’t want anything to do with resumes until you’ve passed a significant chunk of the hiring process. Nonetheless, if you make it to the oral interview they’re going to want to see a resume, and having a good one ready is going to be a great benefit.

The last thing you want to do when you should be practicing your interviewing, is struggling to write a decent resume. Your resume will be looked at, and having it decked out with volunteer experience, applicable jobs and community involvement is going to set you apart from competing candidates at this very significant stage in the hiring process. Don’t let your resume be your weak link; have it be the extra mile that puts you ahead of the competition.

You asked: “Theoretically, can’t someone off the street score 100% and then someone who has done 5 years of EMT, the First Academy, etc. score less, and the individual with the better score advances?” The answer of course is yes… theoretically. Realistically, no. I can go on and on about this, but I’ll spare the details and leave it at this: I believe anything is possible (You or I might win the lottery), but million to one chances aside, we have to work hard for what we want.

Getting into the San Francisco reserves is tough. There are long lines, but it’s definitely possible. Unfortunately, I don’t know quite enough about it to make any truly definitive statements on the topic, but I’ll learn what I can and let you know.

Keep in touch!

- Josh

Specifically, this post will highlight four emerging technologies. One is a new version of an old idea. Two are closer to reality than we might have imagined, though still have many years of development ahead of them.. The last one (some pretty slick engines) already being used in limited practice, but may never actually see American soil.

Fit-5 Fire Extinguishing Grenade

Often times the best ideas are the simplest. A new device called the FIT-5 highlights that notion, at least in its use. Though the science behind the FIT-5 is not as simple as dousing a fire with water, its concept is just as simple. During a fire, the fire itself becomes its own sustained heat source. Water removes this piece of the fire tetrahedron (oxygen, fuel, a heat source, and a chemical chain reaction). In the case of the FIT-5, it’s the oxygen that is removed from the equation. ARA Safety who manufactures the FIT-5 says “the device can fully extinguish a class B (fuel-based) fire in a room 2,100 cubic feet (60 cubic meters) or less and reduce fire temperatures from 1,000 to 300 degrees Fahrenheit (540 to 150 degrees Celsius) in less than 10 seconds. The FIT-5 is also designed to control class A (ordinary combustibles) fires enough so that firefighters can douse them with water.”

As explained by Larry Greenmier of Scientific American “the FIT-5 releases a wispy cloud of potassium carbonate, a flame retardant that suppresses combustion and disrupts fire at the molecular level.”

The FIT-5 has it’s limitations of course. While it’s a great tool, it’s not ideal for fires in wide open spaces and like traditional fire extinguishers, it won’t last that long before it runs out of extinguishing agent. Still, it has some very convincing uses including being an agent of egress when fire is blocking an exit. Also, in cases where it may not be able to extinguish a fire altogether, it can buy firefighters additional time by offering at-the-moment suppression of a flame area or by delaying flashover in cases where water may not yet be available.

Another exciting and useful technology working its way toward completion is the TRX’s Firefighter Sentinel System. This is essentially a tracking system that works like GPS, except on a much smaller basis. Rather than road maps for the country, and a dot to show where your car is, the TRX system creates maps of buildings and structures and dots showing where firefighters are. PASS devices are great tools for finding downed firefighters, but if you’re not within earshot or the building is large, it may not be enough.

FF with TRX tracking- Communications Module shown on top. Tracking Module show on bottom.

The Sentinel system works by having firefighters wear a small tracking beacon/ communication unit on their gear. A signal is sent from this unit to a base station where their exact location and movement can be tracked. If they are in a structure for which floorplans are available, directing them or finding them (if downed) is very easy. If there is no existing floorplan, the devices create one based upon the movement of firefighters throughout the structure.

In an interview with Firehouse.com, Steven T. Edwards of the Maryland Fire and Rescue Institute said “This represents the future of firefighter safety. You look at the firefighter fatalities throughout the country and there are trends,” he said. “(Firefighters) are disoriented; they come into an area of the building where they get away from their crew and the hose line where no one knows where they’re at… You might have a few minutes to attempt a rescue, and to have that location and direct a rescue team to that specific location is a huge step forward.”

While the Sentinel tracking system isn’t quite ready yet, it’s much closer to implementation than our next future technology. Get ready to delve into sci-fi land as we discuss Robotic Exoskeletons.

BLEEX Lower Extremity Exoskeleton

Straight out of the Terminator movies, exoskeletons are just what you’d think: “Robotic …human performance augmentation systems worn by humans to enhance mechanical strength and power.”  Among a number of well-funded private companies, the University of Berkeley Robotics Laboratory has been making significant progress is the development of exoskeletons.  They’ve already completed their first “Bleex 1″ (Berkeley lower extremity exoskeleton) and are working on the second version.

The most significant benefit of a robotic exoskeleton for firefighters would be the ability for them to climb many flights of stairs with multiple times the weight (in hose, gear or even rescues), without fatiguing.

The challenge faced in making this sort of technology realistic for fire fighting is to make the designs lightweight, efficient, reliable and of course safe. In addition they’re going to need to be affordable and have gone through extensive testing before cities would be willing to dish out the money required to buy these fantasy-like machines.

Many of these challenges are being attacked in the construction of the BLEEX 2. The focuses for improvement for this version include a lighter and quieter hybrid engine, and extended range, flexibility, and agility of the system. I believe it may be decades, or even a full century before we see exoskeletons perfected, but that at some point they will be put to use in reality. Firefighting, combat, and construction are just a few realistic places this unique technology could make history.

Learn more about Exoskeletons in this article by Scientific American.

The final future technology we’re going to consider is one that is the stuff of little boys’ dreams – yes, the big red machines. There are a number of truck and engine manufacturers in the U.S. and around the world, but one of the worlds largest is the Austrian company, Rosenbauer. Though their apparatus are seen primarily in other countries, I believe it’s likely that within the 21st century, we’ll see trucks like theirs being built by American manufacturers.

Rosenbauer Apparatus

Rosenbauer’s vehicles are more than just slick-looking futuristic machines. Advantages include compact body dimensions, decreased body weight, streamlined roll-up doors without the need for additional step-boards, premium stowage systems and tons more.

I could list multiple pages of highlights and feature, but that’s all available in their website.  In the end, the sum of their design means that firefighters will be able to get to fires faster and fight them more efficiently. Access to equipment and tools will be faster and often with less effort and risk of injury.

In conclusion, it is definitely a very exciting time to be in the fire industry.  I hope you’ve enjoyed this peek into the future of firefighting.   Comment below and let me know your thoughts!

Before I explain what I’ve learned about this process, I want to first say that school is not for everybody and that doesn’t mean you’re out of the game.  Many of the worlds most influential people never got a college degree and sometimes have very little formal education.  Take a look at Bill Gates and Steve Jobs.  Even George Washington never had a formal education.

Of course the times are changing and we’re not all computer geniuses.  For those who know that school is the last thing they want to do, know this – Too Bad.  You will have to do some, but it can be minimalized.   Here’s the breakdown:

CPR – The very first step and probably the easiest (though hugely important!) is becoming certified in CPR and use of an AED (Automated external defibrillator).  This should be done through one of two programs/organizations:

• CPR for the Professional Rescuer (American Red Cross)
  
• CPR Healthcare Provider (American Heart Association)

These courses are usually offered through local adult schools, community colleges and through the organizations themselves.  They are relatively cheap, and can be accomplished usually in a single day class.

EMT-B – You can be assured that without certification as an Emergency Medical Technician, you’re almost guaranteed not to be hired.  This is an absolute must!  Plus, it is a very difficult class.  I began studying 4 months ahead of time and it paid off with me graduating 2nd in my class just barely behind a nursing student.  Don’t get freaked out though – you don’t need to begin that early.  Just be prepared for a challenging course, and again – this one also meansa lot!  Not only will you use the skills you learn here through out your entire career (80% of calls firefighters go on are medical related), but what you learn may likely be the difference between you saving a life or not someday.

Many of my fellow classmates took this class on it’s own or only one or two other classes at the same time.  It is challenging and time consuming and should not be taken lightly.  If you can get through this class, and you will have to in order to become a firefighter, the rest of your classes should be cake.

Fire Academy & Firefighter 1 Certificate – Here’s where the minimum schooling comes to it’s end.  The firefighter 1 certificate can usually be attained by passing your EMT class, taking only a few fire classes and getting through the very hands-on fire academy.  This highly regarded certificate does not even require taking prerequisite courses which saves you tons of time, money and “formal schooling”.  If you’re the homework-hater I mentioned earlier, this is the route for you.  It will take work, but the EMT class will likely be the worst of it.  Between two school semesters and maybe a summer session, you can have this certificate for under $2000, within 1 year. 

Associates of Science – Fire Technology – Some of us nerds just aren’t satisfied without the full monty.   For others who already have their prerequisites out of the way, it just makes sense.  Getting the actual college degree in fire technology shows hiring departments that you’re dedicated and educated; and for those like myself who already have a degree, getting this degree may mean taking two or three more classes than the FF1 cert would take.

To clarify, I went to school 10 years ago and got a degree in business.  To do that I had to take all my prerequisites which transferred to my current school.  With those out of the way, getting my A.S. Fire Technology meant taking 5 fire classes, the EMT course, and completing the fire academy.

Fire classes – Every school is different, but here’s a quick breakdown of the classes I took at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, CA.

• Fire 101 – Fire Protection Organization – Taught by Ret. Captain Edward Macumber, this class is your basic introduction to firefighting and fire technology.  It gives you a well rounded, broad perspective look at everything you’ll learn in the other fire classes and is a great way for somebody unsure about a career in fire to decide whether or not they want to contiue the pursuit.   Capt. Macumber was an absolutely fantastic instructor and quite possibly the best and most well-rounded of all the instructors I’ve taken class with.
• Fire 102 – Fire Behavior – Formerly titled ‘Fire Chemistry’, I took with Captain and fire academy instructor Mike Grillo, who explained the name of the class was changed because the word “chemistry” seemed to be scaring students away from the class.  This class focuses on the nature of fire as predictable and manageable phenomenon.  How fires start, grow, and proliferate are explored in depth and detail as Mr. Grillo lends his version of humor and expertise to the matter.
• Fire 103 – Fire Detection and Suppression Systems – This is an interesting class made even more interesting by the highly entertaining, and very down to earth, Captain John Kelleher.  Captain of the El Cerrito Fire Department, Kelleher’s frank and honest anecdotes and storytelling ability made learning about sprinklers, standpipes and extinguishers an incredible experience.  He draws from real life experiences and connects with students in a way that makes it easy to relate.  If you’re fortunate enough to be a part of one of his classes, don’t miss it!
• Fire 104 – Building Construction for Fire Protection – Another down to earth instructor is San Jose Captain Don Torres.  His class is one of the more challenging for those of us who haven’t grown up doing capentry projects with dad.  While fascinating and educational, Fire 104 is a technically oriented class which will require learning about the different types of both residential and commercial construction and how they affect fire behavior.  This class is very interesting and highly applicable to the real life fire situations in which your life will be at risk.
• Fire 105 – Fire Prevention – This class taught by the highly accomplished retired Fire Chief, Joe Robinson covers fire prevention in both theory and application.  Beginning with the invention of Rome’s Vigiles up to todays fire service and the industries that plays roles in affecting it, Chief Robinson covers all aspects of of the prevention topic with accuracy and depth.  He provides real life stories and discussion in a straight forward objective manner.

I’ll talk more about my EMT class in a future post and will also share my experience with the CPAT and it’s requirements.  In the meantime, test your knowledge of the fire sciences in my fire quiz section and let me know how you do!

There’s no going back, but we all look back.  Sometimes wondering how we ended up where we are, and other times simply in wonder.  I’m hoping that this blog will provide me the latter.

I’ve been through college three times.  The first was Rockland Community College which I attended immediately after graduating from Suffern High School, both located in my hometown of Suffern, New York.   At RCC I earned an Associates degree in Business & Public Administration.  From there I went immediately on to my second college experience where I attended the University of Arizona in Tucson for 3 very exciting years.  After a year of living in the Stadium dorm, I moved in to my fraternity house, Alpha Tau Omega and held many positions there including House Manager.

Eventually, I graduated with my Bachelors of Science Degree in Retail & Consumer Studies, a major I’ve regretted ever since.  I have no interest in retail.  Looking back I wonder why I didn’t just get a business degree as both majors were virtually the same.

After the UofA, I moved to California where I have been for 10 years.  I’ve held quite the grab bag of jobs in that time, ultimately landing in an unsatisfying career as a corporate recruiter.  Eventually I left recruiting and tried starting a few businesses of my own – something I learned is much easier said than succeeded in.

Finally I reached a point immediately after the stock market crash in October 2008 where I found myself unemployed, frustrated and disenchanted with my life and career.  I turned to the one place where I knew I could find direction, wisdom and enlightenment – the internet.  In truth, I didn’t actually expect to find any of those things, but I was desperate and as it turned out, I did find something.

What I found was an article in Live Science highlighting a survey revealing America’s most satisfying jobs (here are the detailed survey results).  It turns out that the second most satisfying job in America is Firefighter.  I couldn’t believe I had never even thought about or considered being a firefighter.  I immediately started researching and reading about the job, and then began looking into what it would take to become one.  Two weeks later, my mind was made up and I was working on making it happen.

I decided to do anything I could that would put me any bit closer to being qualified.  The first thing I did, was I got  certified in CPR and AED use.  This I did through my local adult school in a single Saturday afternoon.  I learned later that the CPR/AED certification you’ll want is from the American Heart Association.  I happen to be lucky that my course was AHA  certification.

Next, I signed up to take the Candidate Physical Abilities Test or the CPAT as it is know.  I’m actually sorry I did this so soon, as it is expensive ($200) and is only accepted by hiring departments within 6-12 months of passing.  I passed it (with 2:44 to spare) in October which means I’ll almost certainly have to pay to take it again at some point/s.

At this point, I’ll tell you about the third time I went to college.  I decided to go back to school at Los Medanos College and get a degree in Fire Technology.  Coincidentally, I will be taking my last final toward that degree tomorrow morning.

In conclusion of my first post, I am thrilled to have begun this journey of which I have already spent countless hours on (and which I plan to tell you about in more detail in future writings), and I’m proud to share this adventure with you.  I hope this blog will become a guide and resource for others who want to become a firefighter, here in California or anywhere else in the world.  I know that in the short time I’ve been on this pursuit I have learned a lot and I hope I can pass it on through this website.

I wish I started this sooner.